A Sad Loss

NYCeWheels’ Peter Yuskauskas has confirmed the death of Bert Cebular, owner of the well-known, and famously Brompton-oriented, bike shop on New York City’s Upper East Side. A memorial service was scheduled for this afternoon.

Peter has invited cyclists to join in a memorial bike ride tomorrow, Saturday, December 14. According to Peter’s email, the group will meet in the courtyard at Carl Shulz Park at 86th and East End Avenue at 11 AM.

Peter asks that everyone bring his or her own bike, or ask a friend for a loaner, if possible, but email Peter at peter [at] nycewheels.com if you need to borrow a bike, and then plan to meet at the shop at 10 AM (1603 York Avenue between 84th and 85th — just a couple of blocks from the park) to pick up a loaner.

I collected my Brompton, Basil, from NYCeWheels a little over a year ago, and have valued my experiences there. Over that time it was my pleasure to speak with Bert on several occasions, once when he took notice of Basil’s unusual S flap.

Bert ran a fantastically busy and well-stocked shop, and, though often-harried, Bert and his staff always amazed me by their helpful and friendly responses to enquiries of all sorts — and their knowledge of their stock, particularly those wonderful Bromptons. I hope NYCeWheels continues to flourish as a part of Bert’s legacy.

I’m still on medical hiatus, but if I were able, I’d be on a train early tomorrow, and Basil and I would be riding to say farewell — and thanks — to Bert. I hope all who can will brave the cold and say farewell to the man who became, through his shop, his fantastic videos, and those marvelous Brompton bike tours, the face of Brompton in New York City.